Detailed Itinerary Costa Rica Rainforest Adventure Feb 27/18 Marcia Glick Costa Rica is an oasis of natural wonders - volcanoes, rainforests, white sand beaches, coral reefs and wildlife - all within a world-renowned system of national parks that protects more species of mammals and birds than the continental U.S.A. and Canada combined. Our trip features Costa Rica s natural wonders, experienced through an active program of hikes, river safaris and horseback rides. Enjoy the pristine flora and fauna of Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Sarapiqui during a tropical forest walk, a river journey and rafting. Feel the welcoming energy of a local community untouched by tourism and an indigenous village known for its pottery making. At Arenal Volcano, walk on the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges and visit nearby Eco-Termales Hot Springs for a satisfying soak in the thermal pools. The highlight for many is the boat journey through the extensive, wildlife-rich canal system of Tortuguero National Park. For active nature lovers Facts & Highlights 15 land days Maximum 16 travelers Start and finish in San Jose All meals included Explore Tortuguero National Park and its jungle canals Enjoy Arenal Volcano Wildlife viewing, tropical forest walks & rafting at Sarapiqui Enjoy Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Eco-Termales Hot Water Springs Visit a local community untouched by tourism Visit coffee and cocoa plantations Visit an indigenous village known for its pottery departure dates & price: Apr 09 - Apr 23, 2018 - $3695 USD Nov 14 - Nov 28, 2018 - $3695 USD Jan 13 - Jan 27, 2019 - $3695 USD Mar 10 - Mar 24, 2019 - $3695 USD Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some rough, unpaved roads and long drives. The unpredictable weather is humid and tropical, especially in Tortuguero & Rincon de la Vieja. Spurts of rain make it refreshing. Accommodations Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. US/CAN 1-800-741-7956 UK 0808-234-1714 INTL. 001-416-588-5000
seeking pristine rainforest, exotic wildlife, active volcanoes and superb birding, Costa Rica is the perfect adventure destination. Day 1 Arrive in San José You will be met on your arrival at San Jose Airport and transferred to our hotel. Later in the evening, we meet our guide for dinner and orientation meeting. Overnight in San Jose. Day 2 To Tortuguero N.P. via Braulio Carrillo N.P. Early morning, depart San Jose for the Caribbean coast. Enroute, we drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, enjoying wonderful views of the rainforest. Upon arrival in Cano Blanco or La Pavona (depending on weather conditions) we transfer to our boat for a 1 1/2 hour boat journey through the beautiful canals to get to Tortuguero, always keeping an eye out for wildlife. Upon arrival in Tortuguero, we visit the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle Museum founded by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. The late Dr. Archie Carr began to study and tag the thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles that every year from June through October come to Tortuguero Beach to lay their eggs. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in the park. Three species of monkeys (spider, howler and whitefaced), three-toed sloths and river otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, basilisk lizards and poison dart Dendrobates frogs inhabit the area. 320 species of birds including all 6 species of king fishers, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots and other neotropical species such as the slaty-tailed trogon, whitecollared manakin, purple-throated ruitcrow and whitefronted nunbird all inhabit the area. We will have the opportunity to observe them during our ride through the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. Sloth 2
Sea turtle Your guide will also take you to the village of Tortuguero to learn about the history of the village, visit the park headquarters and walk past colorful Afro-Caribbean homes. Dinner and overnight in Tortuguero. Day 3 Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park Today we travel by boat to explore the canals of Tortuguero and Cano Harold (Harold s Canal) in Tortuguero National Park. During our visit to Cano Harold, we have the opportunity to see bare-throated tiger herons, snowy egrets, boat billed herons and other species which are known to nest here. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon to relax before dinner. There may be an opportunity of an afternoon optional garden walk with your Guide. Dinner and overnight in Tortuguero. Day 4 Canals of Tortuguero, to Sarapiqui After breakfast, we depart via the stunning wildlife rich canals of Tortuguero to Cano Blanco or La Pavona (depending on weather conditions) where we transfer to our vehicle and continue to Sarapiqui, stopping for lunch on our way to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the surrounding grounds of lush vegetation, lakes and rivers. Dinner and overnight in Sarapiqui. Day 5 Sarapiqui Rafting Adventure This morning, enjoy an exciting river rafting adventure (Class III). (Rafting is optional.) Make sure you keep an eye out for birds and wildlife while enjoying your adrenaline rush. After lunch, we will visit a certified organic pineapple farm. Considered to be one of the pioneers in organic production, we will learn about the cultivation of pineapples in harmony with nature. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon where you have some time to relax before dinner. Overnight in Sarapiqui. 3
Canals of Tortuguero
Arenal Volcano 5
Day 6 To Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs After breakfast, we will explore the secrets and wonders of one of mankind s favorite foods: chocolate. Our tour will demonstrate the traditional methods and how it was prepared in ancient times. We then make our way to Arenal, driving by many large cattle farms, as well as yuca, plantain and papaya plantations. We stop for lunch in La Fortuna in San Carlos Valley, the town at the base of Arenal volcano. Arrive at the hotel in time for an afternoon rest before we enjoy the Eco-Termales Hot Water Springs followed by dinner. Overnight in Arenal and if mother nature permits, view the volcanic activity. Day 7 Waterfall Walk and Arenal Hanging Bridges In the morning, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall and hike down stairs to where the water plummets 200 ft (65 m) into an emerald pool. If you re feeling adventurous, you can swim in the chilly water. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon hike in the Arenal Hanging Bridges with your guide. This project sits within a 250-hectare (618 acre) reserve of fully recovered secondary rain forest. A visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges consists of traversing 16 bridges (8 hanging) from 5 to 100 meters long that cross the rain forest and a 3 km circuit of interpretive trails. Overnight in Arenal. Day 8 To Monteverde Cloud Forest After breakfast, we depart for Monteverde. Enroute, we take a 2-hour boat journey across Lake Arenal to Rio Chiquito, to meet the locals and learn about their village life. We meet up again with our bus to continue our journey to Monteverde. Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is well-known throughout the world. Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live, is the home of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children s Eternal Rain Forest, and the Santa Elena Reserve. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk in the Monteverde Lodge Gardens with your guide. Dinner and overnight in Monteverde. 4
Blue River
Monteverde Day 9 Monteverde and Ziplining After breakfast, we drive to Selvatura Park to enjoy one of the best ziplines in the country with 15 cables and 18 platforms in a 850 acres secondary forest. (Ziplining is optional.) As you and your adrenaline return to terra firma, enjoy a visit to a butterfly garden where we can see many of the 425 species of butterflies that can be found in Costa Rica. After lunch, we continue driving to Monteverde Cloud forest. Founded in 1972, the Reserve extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains (elevation 2,300 to 5,600 ft.), encompassing six different ecological life zones and protecting more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July, depending upon your luck and patience, you may observe the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat. Other species include the three-wattled bellbird, the emerald toucanet, and white-faced and howler monkeys. Dinner and overnight in Monteverde. Day 10 Rincon de la Vieja, Local Communities Today we travel to Rincon de la Vieja. The continental divide has created a dry forest on one side of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and lush rainforest on the other. Not only is the area naturally fascinating but offers the opportunity to visit some of the local, untouched communities. We visit the community of El Gavilan, where we will meet the town mayor, Don Gerardo and have lunch with some of the local families in their homes. After lunch, arrive at our hotel where you can enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens, hot springs or even a mud bath. Dinner and overnight in Rincon de la Vieja. Day 11 Blue River - Horseback Riding, Hiking, Waterfalls and River Swim The Blue River is not only a naturally beautiful volcanic river but also offers health giving minerals. We set out on our journey by horseback until we reach our destination at the Blue River. (Traveling by horseback is optional.) We then begin our hike to a beautiful waterfall that is the perfect setting to enjoy our picnic lunch. Be sure to bring along your swimsuit, as there are several opportunities to enjoy a refreshing dip in the beautiful and aptly named Blue River. This is a perfect setting to enjoy a restful yet exciting afternoon and cool off in the beautiful blue waters. Dinner and overnight in Rincon de la Vieja. 6
park, its biodiversity is impressive. You can see sloths, mantled howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, white-headed capuchin monkeys, iguanas, common basilisk, 184 bird species (including toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, turkey vultures, parakeets and hawks). It is also possible to see dolphins as well as the occasional migrating whale. After lunch, you will have free time to enjoy the park in search of wildlife, go for a hike, a swim or do absolutely nothing but relax and enjoy our surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Manuel Antonio National Park. Coffee Plantation Day 12 To Manuel Antonio N. P., Indigenous Pottery Village & Crocodile Safari Enroute to Manuel Antonio, we have the unique opportunity to visit with an indigenous village famous for pottery making. Here in the village of Guaitil, the native Chorotegas make pottery the same way their ancestors did over 900 years ago. It is one of the few remaining villages of pre-columbian Costa Rica that was a land rich in trading for the Inca and Mayan Empires. We will also make a stop at a crocodile safari on the Tarcoles River before we arrive at Manuel Antonio National Park for dinner and overnight. Day 13 Manuel Antonio N. P. Today we will have a guided tour of Manuel Antonio with its impressive landscapes and many coves with white sand beaches amidst great mountains and tropical forests. Despite being Costa Rica s smallest national Day 14 To San Jose, Coffee Tour Today we return to the capital of San Jose where will have time to reflect on our adventure during our farewell dinner this evening. Along the way, we will visit Doka Estate, the oldest humid coffee processing plant declared an Architectural Heritage for Humanity, that works with hydralic power. We learn about the vital role coffee has played in forging democracy in Costa Rica, as well as cultivating a national identity. The introduction of coffee provided a product suitable for export along with bananas. Today, both remain two of the most important crops in Costa Rica. The coffee tour is packed with tips and tricks that will help make your next cup of coffee your best and learn how to properly store coffee. Of course, there is always the opportunity for great birding anywhere in Costa Rica. Farewell dinner and overnight in San Jose. Day 15 Depart San José Transfer to San José International airport for your homeward flight.
Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary. 2. What is included in the tour price? All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drinking water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), national guide, bus driver, restaurants and spot guides; services of a trip leader. 3. What is not included in the tour price? International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, alcoholic drinks, visas and travel insurance. 4. Are these educational tours? Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, educational. We visit museums, National Parks and Reserves and have lectures on Costa Rican flora and fauna. But this is only a portion of the educational experience. We believe that it is equally educational to meet local people on a non-commercial basis, visit their homes and even try to learn a few words in the native language. Sometimes the most educational moments are spent sipping a cold drink in a street market. 5 How do we travel during the tour? All local transportation is included in the land price of the trip. We travel by private minivan or microbus for road travel, by boat and by foot. 6. What are our accommodations like? We always stay in good accommodations both hotels and lodges where rooms have a private bath or shower. 7. What about the weather? The Costa Rican climate can vary over short distances because of the rugged mountain chain that affects the wind, rain, and temperature resulting in a series of microclimates where altitude is a key to change. To generalize, there is a rainy season or winter, with short heavy downpours usually around mid-day, that lasts from May November. During the dry season, temperatures will range from the low 50 s F (10 C) at Monteverde, to a high of 90 F (32 C) at sea level. San Jose is a comfortable 72 F (22 C) year-round. 8. When is payment due? A non-refundable deposit of $500 (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full land cost is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of our brochure. 9. Is medical insurance required? Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. *Please note those travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must take out travel insurance at the time of deposit 10. What should I take on the tour? There is a detailed What to Bring list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after receiving your booking deposit for the trip. 11. What meals are included? All meals during the itinerary are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day. We eat a variety of local foods prepared in a wide range of settings. In many cases, we simply order a number of dishes and share, allowing you to sample new foods and decide what you enjoy best. 12. Can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 13. What if I would like more information? If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked on the tour. 7